Best Independent Bookstores in NYC

New York has been the home of many big names in books, from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Salman Rushdie. You can find them all in NYC, as soon as you step into a bookstore. Big chains are easy to find, but independent bookstores are where the literary scene in New York thrives. Pick up a copy at some of our favorites:

Strand Book Store

It’s not exactly a hidden gem, but the Strand is famous for a reason. Besides its trademark “18 miles of books” (a phrase plastered on its popular canvas tote bags), the Strand offers great deals on backlist books and holds a basement full of discounted hardcovers, movies and music as well. As one of the biggest independent book spaces in all of NYC – if you can’t find it here, you’re not trying hard enough.

828 Broadway, Manhattan
212-473-1452, strandbooks.com

Word

On the other end of the spectrum, the tiny floor space at Word in Greenpoint is carefully stocked with hip indie favorites and arty novels, with a few bestsellers thrown in. The staff’s selections are noted on the shelves with great detail; if you’re a regular, you’ll get to know each of them very well. You might also get to know other customers intimately too: there’s a community personals board where you can find romance through listing your favorite reads.

126 Franklin St, Brooklyn
718-383-0096, wordbrooklyn.wordpress.com

McNally Jackson

With its polished stainless steel and recently-renovated in-store coffee shop, you might think you’ve stepped into another Barnes & Noble. But this SoHo mainstay is one of NYC’s most notable independent bookstores, with a large selection and a regular schedule of events including various themed book clubs. Bigger-name authors tend to stop here on their tour circuit, so pick up a calendar on your way out.

52 Prince St, Manhattan
212-274-1160, mcnallyjackson.com

Greenlight

One of the newest additions to the New York independent book store list, Greenlight has been making a splash in Brooklyn since it moved into its Fort Greene digs only a year ago. With a welcoming façade, an adorable children’s area, and friendly staff, it’s become a hit for local book parties and even comedy events. We’re looking forward to seeing more from this bookstore newcomer.

686 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
718-246-0200, abookstoreinbrooklyn.blogspot.com

Three Lives & Company

If you’re looking for a place to browse the latest issues of Granta and discuss Philip Roth with your neighbor, this is the place to be. The West Village joint’s shelves are carefully curated, so you won’t see any Danielle Steele among your Daniel Alarcón. Their collection of literary magazines is one of the best in NYC, so you can browse the latest issues to see some of the newest work from some famous names.

154 W 10th St, Manhattan
212-741-2069, threelives.com